Plymouth Argyle 1 Crewe Alex 1: DARIO Gradi was satisfied as jaded Crewe scrambled a point at Home Park last Tuesday.

The Alex's hectic schedule meant they had no rest following the 1-1 Sunday draw with Derby. The players made the long journey to Devon the next day and were in action the following night.

It was a big task and many of the players looked weary. But they showed a spirit and resolve which helped Eddie Johnson's first goal for the club earn a precious point against caretaker manger Jockey Scott's men.

Gradi said: 'They had an extra day's rest and were at home, so I was pleased to leave here with a point. For instance, I don't know how Billy Jones carried on because he worked his socks off and was very tired.

'Our centre-halves got better as the game went on, and it was good for Eddie to get his goal and we were pleased for him.

'We had some great fans here. It is a tremendously difficult journey and it was nice to clap them at the end.'

Gradi kept faith with the same side which drew with the Rams, and on-loan Manchester United man Johnson scored against the run of play on seven minutes.

He reacted quickest in a crowded penalty area to slot the loose ball home after the Plymouth defence had failed to clear Kenny Lunt's cross.

But four minutes later Matt Derbyshire crossed from the wing and Scott Taylor slammed home his first goal of the season and Argyle's first for five games.

Ross Turnbull saved from Taylor with one hand as the hosts pressed, while Jones picked out Mark Rivers in a dangerous area, but he could not find an Alex player with his cross.

Crewe's goalscorer was withdrawn before the break, suffering from a sore hamstring. Michael Higdon replaced him as the score remained level at half-time.

Tempers flared and Jones and Higdon were booked. Both teams went all out for a winner but it was the visitors who looked fatigued. David Norris almost bagged the decisive goal late on, but his strike flew just wide, in front of the 101 travelling supporters.